The new Audi S7 Sportback

The new Audi S7 Sportback is a finely toned athlete: 331 kW (450 hp) and 550 Nm (405.7 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 5,700 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) without breaking a sweat. Its combined fuel consumption is 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers (25.3 US mpg) – for a CO2 equivalent of 215 grams per kilometer (346.0 g/mi).

Audi continues its downsizing strategy in grand style with the 4.0 TFSI in the new S7 Sportback. This biturbo V8 requires just 3,993 cc of displacement (bore x stroke 84.5 x 89.0 millimeters [3.3 x 3.5 in]) to generate superb power. A number of details broadcast the high-tech personality of this engine. Its aluminum/silicon crankcase is made by means of low-pressure chill casting, which ensures superior homogeneity. A frame for the lower bearing bridges of the crankshaft further boosts the crankcase’s rigidity. Even with all key add-on parts, this eight-cylinder engine weighs just 219 kilograms (482.8 lb).

The intake system is optimized for minimal flow losses. Switchable flaps in the intake ports mix the incoming air in a rolling motion to enhance charging or combustion based on the setting in question. The directly injected and intensively swirled fuel cools the combustion chambers, allowing for a high compression ratio of 10.1:1.

New approach: heat insideThe cylinder heads have the intake side on the outside and the exhaust side on the inside. This innovation enables short gas-travel paths with minimal flow losses and subsequently spontaneous response. Two large turbochargers and their air-water intercoolers are located in the 90° V of the cylinder banks.

The two turbochargers of the 4.0 TFSI generate as much as one bar of relative charging pressure. Twin-scroll technology – where exhaust gas from two cylinders is conveyed via separate ducts to the turbine wheel – eliminates unwanted interactions between the gas columns. Considerable torque is consequently generated quickly. An optional sport exhaust system is available with black tailpipe trims; an electric flap in the exhaust system controls the rich sound.

The biturbo V8 is made especially efficient by not only the start-stop system – which deactivates the engine as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop – but also the thermal management system, which continuously regulates the flow of cooling water. The regulated oil pump varies the oil pressure as needed, and the piston oil injection nozzles are map-controlled. The piston pins bear a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating that reduces friction.

Four equals eight: the cylinder on demand systemOne pioneering innovation from Audi is the cylinder on demand system (COD). At low to moderate load and engine speed – up to around 250 Nm (184.4 lb ft) and 3,500 rpm – this technology deactivates cylinders 2,3, 5 and 8 by closing the valves and stopping fuel injection and ignition to them. Efficiency in the active cylinders is increased because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads. This changeover takes place within a few hundredths of a seconds and so smoothly that the driver recognizes four-cylinder operation practically only by the message in the driver information system display. The cylinders are reactivated as soon as the driver firmly presses the accelerator.

While the V8 is running as a V4, ignition only takes place at every 180 degrees of crankshaft angle and the engine’s torsional vibrations are correspondingly higher. During these phases, Active Noise Control (ANC) largely eliminates intrusive noise by broadcasting a precise antiphase sound to the cabin through the sound system’s speakers. At the same time, active engine bearings uses counterpulses to attenuate low-frequency vibrations. COD technology reduces the new S7 Sportback NEDC fuel consumption by around five percent; at 100 km/h (62.1 mph) the reduction is as much as around ten percent.

The seven-speed S tronic is a perfect match for the sporty personality of this large five-door coupe. Its lower gears are closely spaced for sporty response while the top gear is long to increase efficiency. In manual mode, the driver can use the standard shift paddles on the three-spoke steering wheel to shift gears.

Like all Audi S models, the new S7 Sportback features quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its primary component is a center differential with a high locking rate. The differential typically distributes 40 percent of the engine’s power to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle. If necessary, it can redistribute power with great flexibility. Torque vectoring aids the differential for enhanced handling at the vehicle’s cornering limits. The sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels, has a decidedly dynamic setup.

The chassis of the sport model also reveals its individual character. Optional dynamic steering and standard adaptive air suspension sport have S-specific characteristic lines. The wheels bear the five-parallel-spoke design that the S line is known for. They are of size 8.5 J x 19 and fitted with 255/40 tires. As an option, Audi can supply 20-inch 9 J x 20 wheels with 265/35 tires. quattro GmbH will also supply 21-inch wheels. S7 logos adorn the black painted brake calipers up front.

Exterior designCharacteristic design details express the special status of the new Audi S7 Sportback. Its Singleframe grille is painted platinum gray and features horizontal double aluminum bars. The air inlets are kept separate in the redesigned bumper; double aluminum bars divide up the large outer inlets, which are filled with honeycomb grilles.

The new Audi S7 Sportback features exterior-mirror housings in a polished aluminum look and striking sill trims. At the tail end, the diffuser insert is platinum gray and the blade is in aluminum look. The exhaust system splits to the left in two oval twin exhaust tailpipes with chrome trims. S7 or V8 T logos can be found in the front, on the back and on the sides.

The interior likewise has many details that are typical of the S line. The instruments have gray dials and white needles. When the vehicle is started, they swing to the maximum and return to zero. A red ring surrounds the start-stop button for the engine. S7 logos adorn the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the backrests of the front seats and the door sill trims with aluminum inlays.

The standard S sport seats are covered in a combination of Alcantara and leather; the center sections feature a diamond pattern. Seats are also available covered in Valcona leather with contrasting stitching; there are also customized contour seats for the front. Two individual S sport seats are standard in the rear.

The pedals and the footrests in the new S7 Sportback are made of stainless steel. The standard inlays are in matt brushed aluminum. Audi design selection salsa red with inlays in red carbon twill is available specially for the sport model. A woven-in red thread runs through the carbon-fiber fabric.

Its extensive range of standard equipment underscores the special status of the new Audi S7 Sportback in this model range. The four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, MMI radio plus, Bluetooth interface, driver information system with a 7.0-inch color screen and a practical load-through hatch deserve a special mention. The base price in Germany is 82,300 euros.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Further information about the official fuel consumption figures and official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide to fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electricity consumption of new cars,” which is available free of charge from all sales outlets and from DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH), Hellmuth-Hirth-Strasse 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany (http://www.dat.de).